Disclaimer: I do not own CCS.

Note: Hello readers! Chapter 3 is here! Judging by the reviews, some of you have already guessed that Eriol is too smart to not know what is happening. I won't deny it, but I also won't tell you the whole plot! You will have to continue and figure out what happens next and why. Thank you very much for the reviews and comments and I hope you leave me another review for chapter 3! Was the update fast enough? I hope so :)

Special dedication to sadistprincess & cheng! I have noticed that both readers have read my previews works and left me helpful reviews :) I am grateful for your time and comments! It makes me happy to know that you enjoy my little stories! That is why I write them :) Thank you both very much!

Well enjoy the reading~

Surprises

Tomoyo's ears perked up. Her eyes were still shut close, but she knew that morning had arrived and that Eriol had left the room. Wanting to stay in bed for a bit longer, she tried to relax but her ears once again perked towards the direction where she had heard the noise, which had woken her up. Tomoyo lifted her head, still refusing to open her blue eyes, as she heard the noise getting louder and louder. Nervous, Tomoyo finally flung her eyes open to find Nakuru launching herself towards her direction. Before she could act, Nakuru had already wrapped her arms around the feline and pulled Tomoyo closer towards her face, which now rested on the pillow she was sleeping on.

"Suppi! Good morning!" She called loud and clear.

Tomoyo watched from behind Nakuru's shoulder Eriol approach with a chocolate cake in hand. It was the chocolate cake that she had baked with Nakuru yesterday evening. Was this for Spinel?

"Surprise! Suppi it's your birthday! I can't believe you couldn't recall, but I am glad that this turned out to be a surprise!" Nakuru announced cheerfully as she watched the feline smile back softly at her.

It was a very pleasant surprise, although it was Spinel's birthday they were celebrating, Tomoyo could tell how important Spinel was for the two members present in the room. Nakuru rubbed her cheek against her head affectionately while she sang the birthday song loudly and out of tune. Eriol stood behind with the cake smiling all the time with a warm gaze. It was special for Tomoyo to see such a strong bond between them.

"Blow the candles Spinel." Eriol spoke as he presented the cake before her.

She did what she was told and heard Nakuru cheer and clap her hands happily. "I guarantee this cake won't taste like garbage!" She winked.

Tomoyo laughed and nodded in agreement before Eriol spoke. "Lets head downstairs and cut the cake."

Nakuru agreed and quickly picked Tomoyo into her arms as she dashed downstairs cheerfully. Tomoyo laughed at her actions before they entered the dining room and to her surprise it was decorated with balloons and ribbons. Nakuru had no trouble in strapping a party hat onto Tomoyo's head, she had even cut holes in the hat for her ears. Eriol entered the room and set the cake on the table. He went ahead and cut the cake into small pieces for all of them to share.

"You don't mind eating sweets today Spinel?" Eriol asked a bit hesitant.

Tomoyo looked up wondering what he meant. "I'm fine with sweets."

Nakuru watched as Eriol gave her plate and she leaned forward to take the first bit. The two of them watched expectedly for something to happen, but Tomoyo only gazed back with her blue eyes, questioning their shocked faces.

"What? Is something the matter?" She prompted after a few seconds of silence.

"Nothing? No giddiness? No jumping up and down the ceiling? No flying around like a mad cat?" Nakuru questioned in disappointment. "What happened!"

Eriol chuckled amused. "I think Spinel must have gotten used to sweets by now, after all Nakuru, you have been force feeding Spinel sweets almost everyday in the past few months."

"Ah this is a big bummer. I was wishing to see Suppi act crazy." Nakuru pouted and sat into her seat to eat her own cake.

"If it makes you feel any better Na-chan, the cake is delicious." Tomoyo offered some consolation.

Nakuru looked up brightly. "You do!" She asked joyfully. "You try it Eriol! Tell me what you think about it!"

Eriol took a bite of his piece of cake as they observed him carefully for his reaction. A smile graced his face as his eyes gazed back in surprise. "This is good." He admitted.

Nakuru cheered and clapped her hands in delight. "Success! Finally my baking skills have been approved! With the help of Suppi of course." She then winked at the feline.

Tomoyo smiled back remembering the fun they had yesterday, she also then remembered their conversation earlier about Eriol. Her thoughts were interrupted when Nakuru presented her with a gift.

"I hope you like it." Nakuru spoke with a bright smile.

She waited until Tomoyo unwrapped the paper to reveal inside a necklace with a sun pendant around it. "It's beautiful." Tomoyo whispered to see the pendant glow under the light.

"It's the sun crest for Clow." Nakuru spoke. "The power that has created us and made us into who we are today."

Tomoyo gazed up towards Nakuru and tried to understand what the meaning meant. They must have been created by Eriol himself. She just didn't know what connection Eriol had with Clow Reed, but knew enough to know that he was powerful like the ancient wizard Clow. The Clow crest on the book she found yesterday showed that Eriol and Clow Reed must be related somewhat.

Nakuru fastened the necklace around her small neck. "Thank you." Tomoyo spoke gratefully.

"Spinel, what would you like for your birthday?" Eriol began. "Anything you want and I'll provide you with it."

Tomoyo looked up at his smiling gaze. "Anything?" She questioned.

"Anything that I can possibly give you." Eriol confirmed with a nod.

She knew instantly what to wish for. "I want a fun vacation trip. Just the three of us! To the amusement park, to the mountains, anywhere that isn't this mansion."

Eriol was taken by surprise and Nakuru's smile widen in delight. She jumped up and down excitedly as she watched Eriol blink several times before nodding his head in understanding. "Very well. Will the beach please you?" He questioned after some thought.

Tomoyo smiled and nodded her head. "The beach sounds very nice!"

Nakuru agreed as she quickly picked Tomoyo up and twirled around. "We are going to the beach! To the beach!" She chanted happily.

Eriol laughed before he stood up. "Let me make the arrangements and we shall be heading off today if possible."

Soon enough Eriol announced their departure to the beach house promptly at noon. Nakuru was quick to pack her belongings into a duffle bag while Tomoyo had nothing to pack except for some snacks that she knew would be good for the road. The three of them were ready and set off in the car, which surprisingly Eriol was driving, making her wonder if they would get pulled over by the police because of Eriol's age. They had no trouble reaching the beach house that was directly a few blocks away from the beach itself. The weather was very pleasant and the beach was not crowded. Nakuru was the first one to jump out of the car and run inside the beach house. Eriol had picked Tomoyo into his arms and carried her up the steps and into the enormous house that was as well decorated and furnished as Eriol's mansion in Tomoeda. It even had a small library that still contained a vast number of books and facing the windows was another wooden desk that contained numerous papers and notebooks.

"The pink room is mine!" Announced Nakuru cheerfully as she was already up on the second floor.

They made their way out of the library and into the living room, as they were greeted by the large windows that oversaw the beach and the horizon. It was a breathtaking view that left Tomoyo feeling very peaceful and at ease. Eriol caressed her gently in his arms, making her unconsciously purr pleasantly. She felt drowsy and couldn't help but to close her eyes as her ears perked to the sound of Eriol humming softly to himself. It was a very familiar tune she remembered hearing, but she couldn't recall where she heard it from, in any case it was very soothing. She also caught the sound of the waves and the seagulls outside in the distance. It was all very peaceful.

Tomoyo slowly reopened her eyes and was drawn towards the movement of the ocean gleaming under the bright sun. Attentive, she wasted no time in announcing that they absolutely needed to head out to play in the ocean. Nakuru, hearing her request, was easily to comply and was ready in a couple of minutes. Eriol agreed as well and he made his way to his room and took his time to ready himself. When he showed up again, Tomoyo found herself staring at his well built body as he descended the stairs. It never occurred to her that he would have a fit build. She was caught staring too long as Eriol gazed at her questioningly. She furiously blushed and made her way out of the door and down the steps of the house. Nakuru quickly followed behind and Eriol close by. The three of them made their way towards the ocean.

It was fun. Tomoyo couldn't help but to smile and laugh so much. It was only the beach, but yet she was having the time of her life with them. It was another surprise to her that she could be this happy around Eriol and Nakuru. They had sun bathed, played volleyball, build sand castles, buried Eriol's body in the sand, and now swimming in the ocean. She floated close by Eriol, as they watched Nakuru act silly in the water pretending to be a mermaid.

"Having fun?" Tomoyo found herself asking, wondering if he was regretting to leave Tomoeda.

Eriol looked at her with a smile. "Of course I am having fun."

His answer somehow meant a lot to her. He was the one that deserved to rest the most and enjoy his summer as much as possible. Her wish was intended for him and it made her happy to know that he was smiling like a normal teenage boy.

"Thank you Spinel." Tomoyo heard him say, as she turned to find him hugging her into his strong bare chest.

She gasped and started to blush as she felt the warmth spread and her heart beat faster. Eriol softly caressed her head before letting go. She let herself float on the water, trying to calm her pounding heart as she suddenly was welcomed into Nakuru's arm. She picked her up with a bright smile, and threw her up and down before placing her onto her head. Tomoyo laughed, but was happy that Nakuru distracted her from her previous thoughts.

"Look at him." Nakuru spoke, referring to Eriol who was now swimming forward against the waves. "He is smiling like a fool."

"He seems so happy." Tomoyo now observed. "Different from the way he smiles at school."

Nakuru looked up at Spinel in agreement. "Yes. Eriol doesn't have time to act his age. I am glad that you made us come to the beach."

"We deserve to relax once in a while." Tomoyo replied.

"I agree. It seems we don't have much time for that lately. To relax." Nakuru voiced as they saw Eriol disappear against a huge wave and then remerging a few seconds later.

Tomoyo and Nakuru laughed at his appearance, having his hair cover half his face and looking like a sea monster. Eriol brushed his hair away and waved telling them to join him. Nakuru was eager to comply and Tomoyo held herself tightly onto the girl's head laughing. She was learning more and more about Eriol each day, and what she saw made her heart warm. They played in the ocean for a couple more minutes before they decided to head home. She was settled on Nakuru's head, while the girl skipped her way towards the beach house. Eriol followed behind as Tomoyo felt very content. Her blue eyes watching the horizon as the sun was beginning to set.

As night time came, the three of them had finished enjoying their seafood meal and a comedy movie they brought along the trip. Tomoyo felt exhausted but happy how the day had turned out. She made her way out of the bathroom, having had a long warm bubble bath, and was eager to go sleep and rest. She stopped in front of the doorway and realized that Nakuru had a bedroom and Eriol had the master bedroom, but she was left with no room to sleep in. Eriol who happened to reach the landing came to stand by her at the doorway to his room.

"Is something the matter Spinel?" Eriol asked.

"I was wondering if I had a bedroom for myself?" She asked confused as to where to sleep.

Eriol looked a bit hurt for a moment. "Don't we always share the same bed?"

Tomoyo looked taken aback as his words caused her to blush. It was true that back in the mansion she slept on his bed, more specifically the pillow next to him, but because she thought Eriol was looking after her conditions and injuries. It never occurred to her that Spinel actually shared a bed with Eriol, even though he was a feline creature, she assumed that Spinel would want a bedroom of his own in that huge mansion. Well she had guessed wrong.

"If you want, I could provide you with a room downstairs for yourself Spinel." Eriol offered as he was about to turn his way to the staircase.

"That isn't necessary." Tomoyo blurt out without thinking, even though the idea of sharing a bed with Eriol was causing her heart to pound faster and faster, she knew that Eriol would figure out that something was odd. "I was just joking with you." She added for good measure.

Eriol gazed at her for a moment before briefly nodding his head and smiling. "Are you sure?" He questioned.

Tomoyo nodded her head and quickly made her way inside the room. There was the queen size bed. Tomoyo told herself not to feel nervous, besides the bed was big enough that she wouldn't be in close proximity to Eriol. It also helped that she was a small creature that only occupied one pillow. Eriol came behind and lifted her up to the bed. She blushed as he caressed her head gently.

"Rest now, we had a long day." Eriol spoke softly, as Tomoyo found her spot in the pillow and laid down comfortably.

Eriol tucked her in before her eyes closed and she fell asleep. Not long her ears perked up and she heard a pen writing against some paper. Her head lifted up and she half opened her eyes and peeked around to find a dim light coming from the corner of the room. Her head directed to that area and found Eriol sitting alone at his desk, concentrating on something. She quickly opened her eyes and her attention was fully on him. Tomoyo noticed the clock hanging on the wall saying that it was 2 am in the morning. Surprised that he was still awake, Tomoyo quickly leapt down from the bed and headed towards him.

Eriol's attention was called down to his lap where he found Tomoyo gazing at him worriedly. She then looked around the scattered papers and notebooks and found the same notebooks she had seen in the library back at the mansion. She immediately knew he was working on his plans. Even when they were in vacation Eriol was still working and worrying.

"You should be sleeping Eriol." Tomoyo spoke as she directed her gaze back at him.

He smiled back tiredly before leaning back at his chair and bringing his hand to caress her head. "I know Spinel, but I can't help myself to worry."

"Everything will be alright." She soothed and saw his eyes glow in concern.

"I can't assume that my plans will be successful every time. I need to be cautious. After all I am dealing with the life of not only the new Mistress of the Clow Cards, but as well as my dear friends and companions." Eriol spoke as he rubbed his temples. "I don't want an accident to occur again."

Tomoyo opened her mouth to protest, to tell him that she was healing and felt fine and that it wasn't his fault to take, but he interrupted her. "I know Spinel, but I am still the man behind the plans and the one responsible for your safety as well as Nakuru's safety. I don't want anyone to be hurt because of my mistakes."

Tomoyo put her paw on his arm and looked up kindly. "You are very considerate Eriol." She spoke feeling very warm to know his true personality. "You said it yourself, you are the man behind the plans, and we trust you, but don't you think you should rely on us more often?"

Eriol gazed back in surprise at her. "I do rely on you." He admitted.

"Not enough to relax and know that we will succeed." Tomoyo answered. "Whatever you plan, the three of us will succeed. I know you are doing your best to prevent the worst from happening, so now relax and rely on us to make it happen as according to plan. Your responsibility is our responsibility as well."

Tomoyo saw a smile spread across his handsome face and she softly blushed to see him express such gratefulness. "I haven't recalled making you so wise Spinel." He then grinned.

Tomoyo laughed before nudging him playfully. "You should know that I would turn out this way."

Eriol nodded with a chuckle. "Yes I should have assumed you would, after all I did make you to become my best friend."

Tomoyo smiled widely, she enjoyed being his friend, and knowing that he could open up to her so easily was gratifying. Even though Tomoyo knew he was referring himself to the real Spinel, Tomoyo wanted to believe that his words were meant for her as well. Eriol gently patted her head before closing his notebooks. He stood up and carried Tomoyo with him to the bed.

"We should sleep now." Eriol spoke with a yawn. "I want to go to the beach early in the morning once again."

Tomoyo nodded in agreement and to her surprise and nervousness, Eriol settled her to his warm chest. She felt her heart leap but soon calmed herself down when she heard his calm breathing, cooing and soothing her to sleep. The next morning she found herself curled underneath Eriol's neck warmly. It took a while for her to register where she was but once she felt his pulse, Tomoyo jumped and blushed fervently. Eriol startled by the pressure, woke up and quickly sat up on his bed. His actions in turn startled Tomoyo, who didn't expect him to wake up so sudden, causing her to leap once again and stumble and roll back into Eriol's lap. Surprised, Eriol laughed and Tomoyo couldn't help but to smile sheepishly back at him.

After breakfast, the three of them headed to the beach for the last time before driving back to Tomoeda. It was Nakuru's turn to drive and to Tomoyo's surprise, Nakuru was a safe but fast driver. Soon the greens were substituted by the city landscape and the setting sun. They were now in Tomoeda and approaching their destination. The big mansion came into view. As Nakuru was about to park the car in the garage she suddenly stepped on the brake hard, causing Tomoyo, who was sitting on the back seat, to plunge forward. Eriol caught her before he could hit the front window.

"Whats wrong?" Asked Tomoyo confused why Nakuru had suddenly stopped.

Tomoyo then gazed towards the direction where Nakuru had her eyes fixed. She saw a figure approach the car and soon her eyes recognized who the person was. Kaho Mizuki, her substitute teacher from her elementary school days, was standing before them with a smile. Why was she here and how did she know Eriol? Tomoyo quickly gazed towards the gentleman and saw that his eyes was blank while he observed her cautiously.

"Hello Nakuru, Spinel." Kaho spoke softly then turned her eyes to Eriol solely. "Hello Eriol. It has been a while."

TBC